September 8 – The Youth Leadership Lab virtual summer program took place July 14-17th and served 97 teens primarily in grades 8 through 10 from seven urban counties and several rural counties within Texas. The theme was, “Its A Different World.” Prairie View A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Human Sciences’ 4-H and Youth Development unit hosts this camp to introduce young people to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers in Agriculture. There are two overarching goals of this program: 1) to increase the likelihood that youth from historically under-served and underrepresented populations pursue enrollment in post-secondary education and 2) to provide an awareness of and encourage interest to pursue careers in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human (FANH) careers.
The program was made possible by funding from the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and the USDA – National Institute of Food & Agriculture. Students took assessments (learning styles, personality types, and career preferences) and ACT practice tests. They participated in a baking workshop during lunch. Students also took virtual reality field trips and college tours as well as learned the importance of being able to budget their finances. Some of the youth participants’ feedback was that “It was very interactive and engaging.”
Of Youth Leadership Lab survey respondents (n=70), 97% are more likely to pursue enrollment in college or university after high school. Of those who plan to pursue post-secondary education, there were 7% that aspire for an associate degree, 19% desire to obtain an undergraduate degree, 48% want a graduate degree, and 26% plan to complete an advanced doctoral or professional degree. At least 88% of youth were helped in their decision about college. One participant commented, “I discovered apps that can help with my college choice.” At least 87% of youth surveyed agreed they researched colleges and learned about scholarships (83%) and the college application process (77%).
Eighty-eight percent reported learning about careers in the STEM field, and 86% of them identified one or more careers that might be a good fit for them. One participant remarked, “I enjoyed learning about my strengths and weaknesses.” At least 72% of youth respondents are more interested in STEM or agriculture careers due to participation.
Guadalupe Castro
4-H Youth Development Extension Agent, Cameron County
gucastro@pvamu.edu
(956) 361-8236